New Pill, Fewer Periods

A new "extended-cycle" birth control pill called Seasonale has been
approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Like traditional oral
contraceptives, Seasonale contains estrogen and progestin. What is different is
the dosing schedule. By "extended cycle" it means that women using
Seasonale will only have 4 menstrual cycles a year as compared to 13.

Plus: Seasonale prevents
pregnancy and is as safe as traditional
birth-control pills.

Minus: Women on Seasonale had more bleeding and spotting during the
three months between periods.

Comment: Opponents of
Seasonale include those who advocate menstruation as a necessary monthly shedding of the uterine lining. They question
whether it is healthy to alter the natural schedule of menstruation. And then
there is the biblical belief that menstruation was a curse inflicted on Eve
because of the original sin to be passed along to all women thereafter.

For additional information please visit the following MedicineNet.com areas: